Fluff n other stuff about the Aarhus' with some photography mixed in.

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Tag Archives: Meniere’s Disease

For my long time readers, friends and family you all know about the unexpected turn my health took about 3 years ago. Feel free to catch up here. It’s been a journey I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.

Most know I have seen many many doctors. One thing was common with them all, they had no idea what was causing such a life changing events. Things were mentioned like tumors, Meniere’s Disease, strokes, cancers, Multiple Sclerosis; which it seemed was the big thing people wanted to label me with. I was so tired of people telling me that is what I had because ‘your symptoms are just like my ____” or “you’re in the perfect age range.” I will never forget the big nurse that was wheeling me down to get my MRI when I was in the hospital. She was in her late 20’s, big, blonde and hair in a messy bun. She was chewing her gum in a loud and obnoxious way. She was pushing the bed at the head while another nurse had the bottom. These were her first words to me “Man, I bet you have MS. You’re at the right age and it sounds just like it!” At this point I could barely open my eyes because they were so sensitive to light and movement. However, I managed to open them, and give her the meanest look I could muster. I told her that was the meanest thing anyone had ever said to me, and gave her a snotty ‘thanks’. Then closed my eyes, and put a pillow over my head. I was secretly praying for her to trip on my face. Of course back then I think my thoughts were ‘fat face’. I wasn’t a pleasant person back then, I was frustrated and sick. I feel bad now for thinking that, but at least I didn’t say it to her face. That’s an accomplishment!! But, really, who says that????

We later find out none of these were it, and it was a hemorrhage in the inner ear. What causes that? No one knows. My ENT in San Antonio told me they are super rare, and only happen in head trauma. I was asked repeatedly if I had been beaten. I thought I was being funny when I would respond with “well, unless my husband beat me in the middle of the night and I not remember” Here’s a tip, don’t say that. I only had one Dr that smiled at me when I said that. The others, didn’t see my humor. I guess it was not appropriate.

I should play the lotto, because I ended up having another one in the other ear 2 years later. We had just moved to Omaha, and Chris didn’t have insurance yet. Just perfect! So, I dealt the best I could till I got insurance. In the mean time, I wasn’t able to save my hearing in the left ear. Which looking back, I wish I had tried to get a steroid shot in the ear drum, that ended up saving my right ear. However, I doubt a ENT, that I never met, would do just that without all the other tests that came with it.

Once I did get insurance I went to Boystown National Research Hospital. I saw a Dr. Prinz. She was absolutely the worst doctor I have ever seen. She would hear nothing about my symptoms. She couldn’t get over my hearing test results, and repeatedly lectured me on getting a hearing aid. I explained the first time, that they aren’t cheap, and my deductible was so high I would have to pay out of pocket for one. She ignored that, and continued to get agitated at me for not having a hearing aid. Then she went ahead and just flat out told me my left ear was dead. Gone. Not coming back. D.E.A.D!

I tried so hard to hold back my tears, but they started to flow. I realized I was not being heard. I needed to know what was causing this, and what could be done. I already knew my hearing was effected. I did manage to hold my tongue, because once I got control over my tears I got angry. It took everything I had to leave without getting nasty. She never offered anything to help with the symptoms, not that I like drugs, but heck, you can only get pushed so far till you start wanting relief.

After that, I decided to go the more natural route.

Chris had mentioned getting Lymphatic Massages and did some research. He found a girl that studied with a reputable school he knew of. So, off I went to Skilled Touch Massage & Wellness in Gretna. I have been going once a week for a few months now. I love these massages because it’s an hour just for me. They have these cool wands that the therapist will run over your body. They light up and sound like space ships. If there is congestion, it will drag on the skin. Like if you have sticky skin. So, then they focus on that area and break up that congestion. They also have lasers that break up the nodules as well. Manual massage is also applied.

At 100 bucks a pop, this has helped me a lot, but results would usually last only about 3-4 days. Then my ears and head would be so full, that it throws off balance and hearing.

My last appointment, which was yesterday was, what possibly, could be my diagnosis. I had not had a massage in 2 weeks, and my body was screaming! The first week, my therapist was out of town, and she was sick at my appointment yesterday. So, I kept my appointment because my head felt like it was about to pop. I saw a different person, named Jean.

As I was giving her the run down on my symptoms, history, and my life for the past 3 years she asked some key questions. Asked about surgeries, my c-sections, infections while including time frames. I had forgotten, and for good reason, I had a horrible Uterine Infection after Sophia was born. She explained that infection could have been the key point to my problem. Even though the infection is gone, it could have left scar tissue,and blocked up my lymph system that was already compromised with poor eating and stress from the C-Section. Stress and poor eating also plays tribute. A compromised lymph system also can affect allergies and food sensitives. The body can only handle so much before it breaks down.

However, after she had worked on me she told me my breast tissue was super lumpy. Which, I already knew and had scheduled a Drs appt back in March to rule out cancer. My Dr. told me that those lumps are ‘normal’ sometimes people are just lumpier than normal, but she felt nothing that would be cause of alarm. Ok, lumpy boobs are normal? Don’t buy that BS, ladies!

Jean, then told my head isn’t my problem, my boobs are backed up. Which, makes sense as hormones are stored in your tatas. Which could be the connection between that, and why I would get the hemorrhages on the first day of my cycle. Your body can only fill with so much fluid. Now, we will have a new battle plan with upcoming appointments.

So, what happens when your lymph system is backed up? She explained on a diagram. Similar to one below:

There is only one area that dumps all your toxins, and it is on your left side. If your system gets back up then it has no where to go and keeps filling and filling. Putting pressure on certain areas, which in my case, is my ears and head. Side note: I apologize for the crappy red circles.

For me, everything is being trapped in my breasts, and that is my problem area, but my head has paid the price. Which in turns has also caused the allergies and food sensitivities. It is all connected. She explained more and also better than I could. I just found it interesting.

Now what do I do?

Exercise

Well, the biggest thing that would help me is exercise, but since my balance and head always feeling like it’s a balloon, that isn’t as easy. I have started to walk the kids to school, but that isn’t a fun or easy experience anymore. I feel like I’m being judged; a low life mom, drunk before 9am trying to walk her kids to school. Making sure I don’t fall in front of people, or fall and hit my head on the pavement. However, I’m sure if I do it more often, it may be easier and get better. At least that is what Chris tells me. I dunno, do I believe him or not?

Eat big leafy greens

I’ve been doing more of my smoothies. I had cut them down because, let’s face it, I like to eat my food, not drink it.

Sauna

This is something that I will be starting. Humid heat affects dizziness, so it has to be dry heat. Since, paying for a gym membership for just to use a sauna is ridiculous, Chris will be building me one in the downstairs bathroom, right honey? In the mean time, anyone have a sauna they will let me use?!

Acupuncture

I started this week. I’ve only had 2 sessions, and not really feel any different, but it’s only been 2 sessions. One thing I have learned through au naturale is things take longer. I was leary to go to a acupuncturist because I wanted to go to one close to my house. The Gretna trip can be hard on me. Sometimes I have to have someone take me. My guy that is close to my house, happens to be very cute. However, I decided to put my insecurities away and just go to him. He’s married after all, so he isn’t gonna care about a few flaws I have. I’m 39, I wonder how long it will take me to get over my flaws. Aren’t flaws what makes you beautiful? I was kinda hoping it was personality. I usually win people over with my personality…I think.

Dry Brushing

This is something I have already been doing. Click here to read on some benefits to dry brushing. Of course, they had me at cellulite!

Rebounding

This is another thing I didn’t think I could do. However, I went next door today, and did my first ever rebounder exercise. I did it with my eyes closed! As long as my eyes weren’t seeing the motion, I seemed fine. However, I will note, if you get one make sure you get one with a handle. Thank goodness my moms did. Otherwise, this girl would have been on the floor cringing in pain.

If you saw my parents basement, it’s filled with many things to land on and hurt thy self. I thought about making a video on it, just for giggles. I still may do that.

Breast massage

Yep, go ahead, fill yourself up! In this video I show what my therapist told me to do, multiple times a day. I still cannot believe I put this on YouTube, but if it helps just one person, then I am fine with it. Of course, it helps with not wearing a shirt or bra when you do this. However, my girls aren’t for show so of course I have on a shirt. Ladies, I think this is something we should do, lumps or no lumps. It could prevent cancer.

In the end, just keep moving and sweating. I thought running after a 3 year old was exercise, but I guess it isn’t enough for me to count.

Bummer.

I came home yesterday feeling happy and feeling like this made sense. It is the only thing that has connected the dots. Your lymph system is the only way you rid your body with toxins. It’s your sewer system. If it doesn’t work right, it has access to all areas of your organs, and body in general. Scary thought.